We know that a good portion of you rely on to-do lists to organize your work lives and/or your personal lives. But we also know that there are ways to make your to-do list easier to work with and more helpful in managing your day-to-day. Here, we want to give you some tips on how to optimize your to-do list.

1. Choose the Method That is Most Familiar and Comfortable for You

Some people prefer to handwrite their lists, whereas others are utilizing technology to keep their lists organized and accessible anywhere, anytime. With respect to technology, there are several options to choose from. That being said, the best options have syncing capability, scheduling options, and provide notifications or reminders. You should make sure that you look into the options and pick the tool that has the combination of features that you’re seeking.

2. Update Your List Nightly

Regardless of whether you’re handwriting your list or using your phone or computer, updating your list the night before keeps your list updated, prioritized, and ready to go for the next day. This way, you don’t have to spend time in the morning getting organized and figuring out your next steps. It’s well-documented that people are more efficient in the morning, so by being ready-to-go you can capitalize on the time that you’re most productive.

3. Simplify

It’s best not to overcrowd your list with a bunch of items because that becomes distracting and overwhelming. Rather, a simple list is much easier to handle and prioritize. It’s also helpful to create lists in bundles. In other words, have a list for work tasks, another for personal tasks; one list for immediate goals and another for long-term goals.

4. Put Your Action Items on Your Calendar

Start off by approximating how long each one of your list items will take, and then find blocks of time on your calendar that you can use to accomplish a number of tasks. Some experts suggest three hours is an appropriate block of time to get work done without getting distracted. Then, once you’ve made it through your work block, give yourself a mini reward like a little snack.

5. Take Breaks

This one has to do more with your mental health. Taking breaks keeps you focused and more productive. It’s important to take mental reprieves to get the most out of yourself and to feel great after you’ve accomplished what you need to do.

Conclusion

Optimizing your to-do list is essential in maximizing your efficiency, but with ClientSide you have a tool that helps you accomplish some of your to-do list in a fraction of the time. With ClientSide, you can send your documents in just a few clicks; you can check up on the status of your pending signatures in one central location; and you can set automated reminders to be sent on a preset schedule. Want to learn more about how ClientSide can be a tool to get your to-do list done faster? Start your free trial now!